World

Thunderstorms trigger flash flooding in Wellington

By AAP Newswire

Apr 18, 2026

A file photo of a flooded drain — Parts of the Wellington region have been flooded after heavy rain hit the North Island (file photo). -AAP Image

Wellington has been hit by flash flooding as thunderstorms bring heavy rain to parts ‌of New Zealand's North Island.

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"Severe weather is ‌causing flooding across the city," said Hutt City Council, a local government in the Wellington region, which has a population of more than 520,000.

"Our ‌neighbourhood hubs ‌are ⁠open across the city if people need shelter. We have crews out monitoring the impacts and supporting the response where needed," the council said.

Some 40 millimetres of rain fell ⁠near Upper ‌Hutt on Saturday morning local time, prompting the evacuation of 24 homes, public ‌broadcaster Radio New Zealand reported.

A severe thunderstorm warning was in place for Wellington as well as nearby Manawatu, Tararua, Kapiti-Horowhenua, and Wairarapa, the nation's weather forecaster said.

"People are urged ‌to stay alert to these severe weather conditions, with flash flooding likely," it said.

The wild weather comes after the North Island was battered last weekend by Cyclone Vaianu, forcing evacuations.